Get your heat relief in county Cool Zones

Lower your temperature and your utility bill

Salam Allawerdy, 17, and Jericho M. Tiololo, 53, study and work (respectively) in the air conditioned Rancho San Diego Library. Although both have air conditioning in their home, they prefer the quiet and comfort of the library as a place to concentrate on the tasks at hand.
Nancee E. Lewis

Salam Allawerdy, 17, and Jericho M. Tiololo, 53, study and work (respectively) in the air conditioned Rancho San Diego Library. Although both have air conditioning in their home, they prefer the quiet and comfort of the library as a place to concentrate on the tasks at hand.

We know we’re not supposed to sweat the small stuff, but what about the big stuff? Like our big-time heat waves and the bills and ills that come with them? For help with that, just step into the Zone. The Cool Zone.

Now in its 13th year, San Diego’s Cool Zone program offers summertime relief via a network of more than 115 air-conditioned public buildings where seniors and people with special needs can beat the heat without breaking the utility bank. The program, which includes phone assistance and a web listing of all sites, is funded by SDG&E and supervised by the county's Aging & Independence Services.

“These are places where older adults can come and not feel as though they have to buy anything or do anything,” said AIS communications manager Denise Nelesen, “We always worry about people who become isolated, and this gives people an opportunity to find another good reason to go to a place where other people are. Not just to stay cool, but to make a new friend.”

The program focuses on seniors, but when it comes to saving energy and expanding our community horizons, there is room in the Zone for everybody. Here is a look at some of the cooler hot spots. For the complete lineup, go to CoolZones.org or call (800) 510-2020 and press “6.”

In the Zone: “It’s nice in there,” said a sweaty patron who was browsing the sale racks outside the library bookstore, where Nancy Thayer’s “Heat Wave” was marked down to 10 cents. “But I’m here for the books.”

Like the nearby trolley station, this downtown La Mesa library bustles with people and activity. If you can snag one of the cozy chairs facing the fiction stacks, you will not lack for comforting literature or constant company.

Cool reads: A cheeky staffer has stocked the lobby table with such frosty titles as “The Winter Witch” and “The Wolves of Midwinter.” Also “Summer House with Swimming Pool.” Brr. And, whee!

In the Zone: “We’re here because it’s centrally located, it’s easy to use and it has Wi-Fi,” said Shirley Stowers, who was meeting with her fellow members of the American Association of University Women web committee. “And it’s cool. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t cool.”